William B. "Bill" Tirrell*
Office Sought: Herndon Town Council
Age: 63
Residence: Herndon.
Education: BS, U.S. Naval Academy; MS, financial management, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, Calif.
Occupation: Branch chief, Department of Defense, Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee.
Web site:http://www.tirrell4herndon.com
E-mail address: bill@tirrell4herndon.com
Offices and positions held: Member, Herndon Town Council, 1990-92, 1994-02, 2006-present; charter/life member, American Legion Post 184; past president, past treasurer, Sister Cities International of the Herndon Area Inc.; member, Friends of Runnymede; Optimist Club; Herndon Community TV; Herndon Council for the Arts; life member, senator, Greater Herndon Jaycees; director, Dare to Care Charities; hall of fame member, Camp Virginia Jaycee.
What is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?
Maintaining the high state of health, welfare and safety of the town in a slumping economy. This includes dealing with a declining housing market, overcrowded housing, illegal aliens' presence, development pressures and, very importantly, the need for continued fiscal prudence with taxpayers' money. The economy in the D.C. area must recover for the town housing market to rejuvenate. Meanwhile, keeping people and property safe is paramount. Continued careful development in the downtown area and throughout the town, and preparation for the hoped-for rail expansion along the Dulles Toll Road require focused planning. A regional planning view is very necessary.
Why should voters elect you?
Experience (over 20 years involvement in the town), versatility (council, Planning Commission, Architectural Review Board and Board of Zoning Appeals), knowledge, preparation and work ethic.
What steps, if any, should your county take to mitigate the affects of a slowing economy?
The Town must be careful not to overspend, yet if possible, take advantage of the existing economy to maximize the potential of Town spending. Keeping people and property safe and sound is of paramount importance.
What is your position on illegal immigration and the affect it has had on your county?
True immigrants and properly documented visitors have been, are, and will be welcome. Illegal aliens must return home and come in the ''front door" properly documented. Their countries, not our taxpayers, should care for them.
In March, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled the transportation package passed by lawmakers last year unconstitutional, endangering major projects across the region. What steps, if any, should the county, region and state take to address funding issues for transportation projects?
Recognize that nothing is free and that our assets - and taxes - may have to be refocused. To improve our transportation system requires a change in how current taxes are used, or new funding.
-- The Washington Post | Submit a correction request.
